Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Cheney recounts how House Republican leaders discussed the events surrounding the call for Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and the introduction of an article of impeachment against President Trump. They considered the possibility of Trump resigning and debated whether to pursue censure instead of impeachment. McCarthy expressed frustration with Trump and acknowledged Trump’s responsibility for the events on January 6. The chapter also touches on the personal threats and fear of violence against members of Congress and the need for an investigation into the events.

Cheney discusses the events surrounding the impeachment of former President Donald Trump. Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell was clear in private that Trump had committed impeachable offenses and believed the House should act. Cheney emphasizes that Trump’s actions, including encouraging the insurrection on January 6 and refusing to accept the election results, required impeachment. She and other Republicans, including John Katko, voted to impeach Trump, despite the potential political consequences. Cheney shares messages of support she received for her stance, including one from former President George W. Bush. Ten Republicans, including Cheney, voted to impeach Trump, recognizing the gravity of his actions. The chapter ends with the House of Representatives impeaching Trump and McConnell indicating that he had not decided on his vote for conviction.

Cheney reflects on the aftermath of the impeachment vote and the need to counter Trump’s false claims about the election. She suggested a show or series on Fox News to debunk election lies. Paul Ryan, a Fox Corporation board member, supported the idea, but the show was never completed. Cheney contrasts this with Fox News later airing “Patriot Purge,” a series containing pro-Trump claims about the January 6 attack. She criticizes Fox’s willingness to air conspiracy theories but not the program debunking election lies. Cheney also highlights Kevin McCarthy’s changing stance on Trump’s actions and his visit to Mar-a-Lago, indicating his alignment with Trump.

Cheney expresses her disbelief upon seeing a photo of McCarthy and Trump at Mar-a-Lago on January 28. Despite the recent Capitol attack, McCarthy was there to rehabilitate Trump’s image and raise funds for a “Trump majority” in Congress. McCarthy claimed he went because Trump was depressed and not eating. Cheney confronted McCarthy, revealing that his motive was the need for money as corporate donors withdrew support. McCarthy’s willingness to appease Trump was seen as a betrayal by fellow Republicans.

Cheney describes the turmoil within the Republican Party after her vote to impeach Donald Trump. The Freedom Caucus initiated a petition to remove her from leadership, fueled by anonymous sources claiming they had gathered many signatures. McCarthy scheduled a conference meeting to debate her removal. During the meeting, Cheney stood her ground, refusing to apologize for her impeachment vote. Members criticized her for causing them trouble at home, and McCarthy faced questions about his fundraising efforts and alliance with Trump. The meeting concluded with a clear vote against her removal, but the rift within the party remained.

Cheney expresses her concern about Mitch McConnell’s wavering stance during the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump in February 2021. McConnell initially supported Trump’s impeachment but later voted for a procedural motion, shifting his position. Cheney emphasizes the importance of senators listening to all the evidence before making judgments. She mentions a video of the Capitol attack shown during the trial and how she tried to convince a pro-Trump donor of the truth, but the donor stood by Trump’s claims. The chapter reflects on the Senate’s handling of the trial and McConnell’s ultimate decision not to convict Trump, despite condemning his conduct.

Cheney describes a press conference in February 2021 where she, along with McCarthy and others, discussed the Democrats’ COVID stimulus bill. During the conference, a question about whether Trump should speak at CPAC arose. McCarthy supported Trump’s appearance, while Cheney expressed her reservations, citing her concerns about his role in the party and the country post-January 6. This public disagreement signaled a growing divide within the GOP, with Cheney emphasizing the importance of the Constitution and traditional Republican values. McCarthy, under pressure from Trump, increasingly acknowledged a shift away from those principles within the party.

Cheney discusses the annual Republican retreat and the growing tensions within the party. She highlights the shift within the GOP toward complete allegiance to former President Trump. Despite Trump’s actions over the 2020 election and the Capitol attack, some party members were willing to support him for the sake of defeating Democrats, even as Cheney and others raised concerns about the erosion of conservative principles. Kevin McCarthy’s evolving stance on Trump’s responsibility for the attack is also noted, signaling a shift in his position over time.

Cheney reflects on her commitment to truth and the Constitution in the face of growing turmoil within the Republican Party. Cheney recounts her decision to address the House floor publicly, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom and the Constitution. She shares personal stories of individuals who fought for freedom and the sacrifices made, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for leaders to prioritize country over partisanship. Cheney reaffirms her dedication to protecting democracy and the rule of law, even if it means facing opposition within her own party.

Cheney describes the pivotal moment when she addressed the Republican Conference for the last time as chair. She delivered a prayer emphasizing the importance of truth and the Constitution over the former president’s attempts to undermine democracy. The resolution to remove her was quickly passed, and Cheney left the meeting, supported by some colleagues and staff who chose to stand with her. Despite differences, some conference members expressed gratitude for her leadership, and she received a standing ovation from her colleagues.

Cheney discusses the need for a bipartisan commission to investigate the events of January 6, similar to previous commissions established in times of crisis. Initially, both House Minority Leader McCarthy and Speaker Pelosi supported the idea. However, McCarthy withdrew his support after negotiations and urged members to vote against it, aligning with former President Trump’s wishes. The bill passed in the House but failed in the Senate, with some Republican senators, including McConnell, opposing it. Cheney expressed disappointment in McConnell’s opposition to the bipartisan commission.

Cheney discusses the power of propaganda and the challenges she faced in Wyoming regarding her stance on the events of January 6. Cheney received support from retired judges, justices, and former governors in Wyoming who praised her for upholding the rule of law. However, she also faced criticism and threats from constituents who believed in baseless election fraud claims spread by outlets like The Epoch Times and Fox News. Cheney’s efforts to explain the facts and uphold the Constitution faced resistance from some deeply entrenched in false beliefs. She highlights the power of Trump’s propaganda and the need to address the misinformation that had taken hold in American politics.

Cheney discusses the establishment of the January 6 Select Committee in the House of Representatives. Cheney had been in touch with the families of police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6 and assured them of her commitment to ensuring that their courage and patriotism were properly recognized. She reflects on the death of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, a family friend, and how the warnings issued by former secretaries of defense may have played a role in preventing a worse outcome on January 6. The chapter sets the stage for the January 6 Select Committee’s work uncovering the events of that day.